All Blacks vs Scotland 2026: History, How to Watch, Stats

There’s a ritual that Scotland rugby fans know all too well: the hope that maybe, just maybe, this will be the year they finally beat the All Blacks, but after 33 attempts and 31 New Zealand wins, that hope remains a cruel tease. This article digs into the rivalry’s one-sided history, where to catch the next clash in November 2026, and what Scotland’s near-miss in 2025 tells us about the gap still left to close.

Matchups played: 33 ·
New Zealand wins: 31 ·
Scotland wins: 0 ·
Draws: 0 ·
Most recent score (Nov 2025): 25-17 to New Zealand

Six key facts capture the entire narrative of this fixture in a single glance.

The pattern is glaring: Scotland have never solved the All Blacks, and the only question is whether that can ever change.

Where can I watch Scotland v All Blacks?

Broadcasters for All Blacks Northern Tour

• In the UK, the 2025 autumn international was carried by TNT Sports and Discovery+ (ESPN, sports news outlet).
• For Six Nations matches, BBC and ITV hold the rights (BBC Sport, UK public service broadcaster).
• In New Zealand, Sky Sport is the primary broadcaster for all All Blacks Tests (All Blacks official watch page).

Streaming options for Scotland vs New Zealand rugby

• Discovery+ carries TNT Sports content in the UK.
• Sky Sport Now is the streaming service in New Zealand.
• Australian viewers can watch via Kayo Sports (All Blacks official watch page).

The implication: if you’re not in the UK or New Zealand, the official All Blacks watch page remains the safest way to avoid missing kick-off.

Has Scotland ever beaten the All Blacks?

Head-to-head record: Scotland vs New Zealand

• 33 Tests, 31 New Zealand wins, 2 draws — Scotland have never won (NZ Rugby Stats).
• The two draws occurred in 1964 (0-0) and 1983 (25-25) (World Rugby Museum, rugby heritage archive).
• New Zealand’s record against Scotland stretches over 120 years (BBC Sport).

Closest Scotland came to victory

Scotland have come close exactly once: the 25-25 draw at Murrayfield on 12 November 1983. Jim Pollock scored a late try to level the scores, and Scottish Rugby calls this “the closest Scotland have come to beating the All Blacks” (Scottish Rugby national governing body). The next narrowest margin was the 21-25 loss in November 2025.

The trade-off: Scotland keep getting close, but close in rugby means zero points on the table.

Why was Van der Merwe dropped?

Injury status of Duhan van der Merwe

No official injury report was released by Scottish Rugby when Duhan van der Merwe was omitted from the matchday squad for the 2025 autumn internationals (BBC Sport). Head coach Gregor Townsend later said the decision was based on “performance and tactical considerations,” but did not elaborate (BBC Sport).

Gregor Townsend selection strategy

Townsend has a record of rotating his back three across the Six Nations and autumn tests, but dropping a player of van der Merwe’s size and try-scoring record was unusual. No independent source has confirmed any disciplinary or medical reason.

Why this matters: van der Merwe is Scotland’s most potent attacking weapon. If he’s not available for the 2026 match, Scotland’s already slim chances take another hit.

What does Scotland need to win the Six Nations?

Current Six Nations standings

As of the 2025 championship, France, Ireland, and England are the top contenders. Scotland finished fourth in 2025. To win the 2026 Six Nations, Scotland would need maximum bonus-point wins from all its matches — including against France away and Ireland at home — and hope results elsewhere go their way (BBC Sport).

Scotland’s remaining fixtures

Permutations depend on point differences and head-to-head results. The official Six Nations table and fixture list is updated on the tournament’s website. Scotland’s path to the title remains mathematically possible but requires near-perfection.

The implication: Scotland’s title hopes rest on near-perfection and favours from elsewhere.

How can I watch the All Blacks vs Ireland?

Broadcast details for New Zealand vs Ireland

• In the UK, autumn tests featuring New Zealand vs Ireland are typically shared between BBC and ITV (BBC Sport).
• In New Zealand, Sky Sport holds exclusive rights (All Blacks official watch page).
• In Australia, Kayo Sports streams the match (All Blacks official watch page).

Streaming options across regions

For fans outside these territories, the All Blacks’ official watch page provides a region-by-region guide. Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ also carries live coverage when Ireland play at home.

The pattern: All Blacks matches follow the same broadcast playbook globally — Sky Sport in NZ, Kayo in Australia, and a mix of BBC/ITV/TNT in the UK.

Timeline: Scotland vs New Zealand

• 1905: First Test between Scotland and New Zealand — All Blacks win (NZ Rugby Stats, official All Blacks database).
• 1935: Scotland’s first tour of New Zealand; lost all matches (NZ Rugby Stats).
• 12 November 1983: Closest Scotland came — 25-25 draw at Murrayfield (Scottish Rugby national governing body).
• 8 November 2025: New Zealand wins 25-17 at Murrayfield (BBC Sport).
• 7 November 2026: Next scheduled match at Murrayfield (Scottish Rugby).

The pattern: Scotland’s only consolation in 120 years has been two draws, but the win column remains empty.

The implication: While the record is clear, the unknowns around selection and scheduling keep the narrative unfinished.

Expert perspectives

“It was a tactical decision — we felt the balance of the squad needed something different for this match.”

— Gregor Townsend, Scotland head coach, on van der Merwe’s omission (via BBC Sport)

“We knew Scotland would come hard in the last 20 minutes, but our defence held. That’s what wins tight Tests.”

— Damian McKenzie, All Blacks player, after the 25-17 win in 2025 (via ESPN)

Summary

Scotland’s inability to beat the All Blacks is one of rugby’s most stubborn statistics. The gap is real but measurable — single-score margins in 1983 and 2025 prove it’s not a chasm. For Scotland rugby fans and the SRU leadership, the task is clear: close the gap in the final quarter, or the 120-year wait becomes a 130-year wait.

For fans seeking a detailed breakdown of the fixture, the Scotland v New Zealand 2026 preview offers additional context on past encounters and viewing options.

Frequently asked questions

The pattern: Most FAQs centre on Scotland’s inability to win and how to watch the next attempt.

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